Optomechanical and digital ocular sensor reader systems

ABSTRACT

System, methods, and devices are described for eye self-exam. In particular, optomechanical and digital ocular sensor reader systems are provided. The optomechanical system provides a device for viewing an ocular sensor implanted in one eye with the other eye. The digital ocular sensor system is a digital camera system for capturing an image of an eye, including an image of a sensor implanted in the eye.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent ApplicationNo. 60/700,001, entitled “External Reader System for Devices Implantedin the Eye” filed on Jul. 15, 2005 and to U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 60/781,237, entitled “Microscope-like Capability forConsumer Digital Cameras” filed on Mar. 10, 2006, the entirety of whichare hereby incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Glaucoma is a disease affecting millions of people in the US alone everyyear. Elevated intraocular pressure (IOP), the most common cause ofglaucoma, slowly kills the ganglion cell axons (which collectively formthe optic nerve) affecting the peripheral visual field and progressingto the center. If untreated, glaucoma leads to blindness. In general,visual field loss caused by glaucoma is irreversible.

There are a number of external eye pressure measuring devices.Typically, these devices indent the cornea either directly, bycontacting it, or indirectly, by a non-contact method (i.e., pneumaticdisplacement “air puff”), to measure IOP. For example, a Tono-penmanufactured by Medtronic Solan (Jacksonville, Fla.) utilizes microstrain gage technology with battery power and a 1.5 mm transducer tip togently contact the cornea and display the average of four independentreadings along with a statistical coefficient. Both contact andnon-contact tonometers are very dependent on the eye wall and cornealrigidity and can be inaccurate because these factors are not taken intoaccount. In addition to the problems of imprecision with many of theexternal IOP measuring devices, many of these devices, especially thosethat contact the cornea, can only be administered in physicians'offices.

More reliable IOP measurements can be obtained from within the eye. Avariety of devices have been proposed or developed for this purpose.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,579,235 issued on Jun. 17, 2003, the entire contents ofwhich are incorporated herein by reference, discloses a device forpassively measuring intraocular pressure of a patient. The deviceincludes an in vivo sensor and an instrument external to the patient forremotely energizing the sensor, thereby permitting the instrument todetermine the intraocular pressure. The device directly and continuouslymeasures the intraocular pressure of a patient. The in vivo sensor inthe intraocular pressure monitor includes a capacitive pressure sensorand an inductive component. An instrument, external to the patient,measures the pressure, provides readout of the pressure values, anddetermines the intraocular pressure.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,443,893 issued on Sep. 3, 2002, the entire contents ofwhich are incorporated herein by reference, discloses another device formeasuring intraocular pressure. The device includes a remote measuringdevice adapted to be implanted in an eye. The remote measuring devicehas a pressure sensor, a converter for converting sensor signals intoinformation for wireless transmission, and a transmitter. The devicealso includes a receiver adapted to be located outside the eye forreceiving information transmitted by the transmitter, and an evaluationdevice. The evaluation device converts information received from thetransmitter into data expressing the intraocular pressure, and recordsthe data. The remote measuring device also includes a data logger inwhich measurement data continuously supplied by the pressure sensor isstored and from which the measurement data is called up at certain timesin operation of the converter.

Patent application Ser. No. 10/686492 filed on Oct. 14, 2003, the entirecontents of which are incorporated herein by reference, discloses anoptically powered and optically data-transmitting wireless pressuresensor, suitable for implantation in an eye and for monitoring the IOPcontinuously or on demand. The device may be placed in the anteriorchamber of an eye, on the iris of an eye, on an intraocular lens, or ona glaucoma tube.

Most current IOP implants require an external component to receiveinformation regarding the pressure. An optical implant may include avisual indication of IOP, which could be read by an eye careprofessional by looking into the patient's eye through a magnifying lenssystem. However, this may require frequent check-ups, which isinconvenient for many patients. Furthermore, several days or weeks maylapse between a change in implant status, such as detection of a highIOP, and the patient's next check-up, and eye or optical nerve damagemay occur during this time.

While a conventional digital camera may be used to take a picture of aneye, both the tele-zoom and macro-mode (for shooting images up close,usually from a distance of about 20 cm) functions are insufficient forimaging an intraocular sensor.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention, in various embodiments, provides ocular sensor readersfor a user to view or image an implant in the user's eye. According toone aspect, this is achieved through the use of an ocular exam device.The ocular exam device may be used to perform self-exams, or it may beused to examine another user's eye. According to one embodiment, theocular exam device may be used to monitor a device implanted in ananimal's eye.

According to one aspect, the invention provides an ocular self-examdevice including a housing, with one or more lenses and one or moreoptical components positioned within the housing. The housing has firstand second ends, which are sized and shaped for simultaneouslypositioning over the respective first and second eyes of a user. The oneor more optical components are configured to form an optical pathway forguiding light entering at the first end of the housing to the second endof the housing.

According to one implementation, the ocular self-exam device includes alight positioned at the first end of the housing and configured toilluminate a target structure. The light may be positioned around atleast one of the interior perimeter of the housing and the exteriorperimeter of the housing. In one example, the housing has a circularcross-section and the light is annular. According to variousembodiments, the light may be a visible light, an infrared light, or anultraviolet light.

According to other implementations, the one or more lenses providemagnification of a target structure. For example, the one or more lensesmay provide about 50 times magnification. In another example, the one ormore lenses may provide between about 40 and about 80 timesmagnification.

In another implementation, the ocular self-exam device includes a focuscontrol for focusing the one or more lenses on a target structure. Thefocus control may be manually adjusted by the user, or it mayautomatically adjust the one or more lenses to focus on a targetstructure. In one implementation, the ocular self-exam device alsoincludes an autofocus sensor.

In various implementations, the ocular self-exam device includes a powersupply and/or a barometer. The power supply and barometer may be coupledto the housing. The device may also include one or two eye cups attachedto the first and/or second ends of the housing. The eye protectors maybe plastic, soft plastic, rubber, or foam. The one or more eye cups maybe configured for placing over an eye, and may prevent environmentallight from entering at the first end of the ocular self-exam device.

According to one implementation, the one or more optical componentsincludes one or more reflective surfaces. The reflective surfaces may bemirrors. According to one example, the reflective surfaces arepositioned within the housing such that light entering from a first endof the housing is reflected on the surfaces and exits out the second endof the housing.

According to another implementation, the one or more optical componentsinclude an optical fiber. The optical fiber may be configured similar toan endoscope optical fiber and may transmit light and/or an image of atarget structure from the first end of the housing through the opticalfiber toward the second end of the housing.

In another implementation, the ocular self-exam device includes a widthadjuster coupled to the housing for adjusting the distance between thefirst and second ends of the housing. The width adjuster may be used toadjust the width such that the first end may be placed over one eye of auser while the second end is simultaneously placed over the other eye ofthe user.

In a further implementation, the first and second ends of the housinginclude first and second openings of the housing, and at least one ofthe first and second openings comprises a transparent covering. Thetransparent covering may be constructed from, for example, glass andplastic. In one example, the transparent covering is a lens.

According to one configuration, the housing of the ocular self-examdevice includes two or more substantially straight sides positioned in afirst plane. In one particular example, the housing includes first,second and third sides, with the first and third sides substantiallyparallel to each other, and the second side positioned between andsubstantially perpendicular to the first and third sides, thus formingthree sides of a rectangle.

In other configurations, the housing may be curved, semi-circular,u-shaped, v-shaped, or polygonal, and include first and second ends forplacing over the eyes of a user.

According to another aspect, the invention provides a method forperforming an eye self-exam. The method includes providing an opticalpathway having first and second ends, positioning the first end of theoptical pathway over a first eye of a user, positioning the second endof the optical pathway over a second eye of the user, identifying asensor implanted in the first eye, wherein the sensor includes a levelindicator, and detecting a level of the sensor.

According to one implementation, the sensor is a pressure sensor and maymeasure intraocular pressure. Similarly, the level may be a pressurelevel and may indicate the intraocular pressure level.

In another implementation, the level indicator includes one or morelights, which may indicate the level of the sensor. According to variousexamples, the one or more lights may indicate the level of the sensor bythe color of the light, whether the light is turned on or off, whetheror not the light is flashing, or by displaying a total pressure level.In other implementations, the level indicator includes a dial or agauge. The dial or gauge may point to a number indicating totalintraocular pressure level. In one example, the dial or gauge mayinclude a colored background indicating if the pressure level isacceptable, borderline, or high. In still further implementations, thelevel indicator includes a digital read-out indicating the totalintraocular pressure level. The digital read-out may be a light-emittingdiode.

According to one implementation, the optical pathway of the method ofeye self-exam includes one or more reflective surfaces. In anotherimplementation, the optical pathway includes an optical fiber.

According to another aspect, the invention provides a device including adigital camera, a magnifying lens system coupled to the digital camera,and an eye cup coupled to the magnifying lens system. The magnifyinglens system includes first and second ends, with the first end coupledto the digital camera and the second end coupled to the eye cup. Themagnifying lens system may include one or more lenses.

According to one configuration, the digital camera includes an imagesensor. The image sensor may include one or more charge-coupled devices.

According to one feature, the magnifying lens system has a short focallength, and is configured for microscopic imaging of a target structure.The focal length may be between about 0.5 cm and about 15 cm, or betweenabout 1 cm and about 5 cm. The focal length may be about 1 cm, about 2cm, about 3 cm, about 4 cm, about 5 cm, about 7 cm, about 10 cm, about12 cm, about 15 cm, or more than about 15 cm. According to anotherfeature, the magnifying lens system provides between about 20 and about200 times magnification, and may provide between about 30 about 100times magnification, or between about 40 and about 80 timesmagnification. The magnifying lens system may provide about 25 timesmagnification, about 50 times magnification, about 75 timesmagnification, about 100 times magnification, about 125 timesmagnification, about 150 times magnification, or about 200 timesmagnification.

In one configuration, the eye cup is configured for placing over an eyeof a user, and may interfit with the face around the eye. The eye cupmay prevent environmental light from entering around the eye of theuser. The eye cup may be plastic or rubber.

According to various configurations, the device includes a lightdirected at the target structure. The light may be coupled to themagnifying lens system or the eye cup. The light may be a visible lightor a non-visible light, such as in infrared light, or an ultravioletlight. The wavelength of the light may be selected for illuminating asensor implanted in the target structure. In one configuration, thelight is annular and is positioned around at least one of an interiorperimeter of the magnifying lens system, an exterior perimeter of themagnifying lens system, or an interior perimeter of the eye cup.

In another configuration, the device also includes a barometer coupledto the magnifying lens system, or coupled to the camera. The device mayalso include a power supply.

In further configurations, the device includes a filter coupled to thesecond end of the magnifying lens system. The filter may be a polarizingfilter, including a linear polarizing filter or a circular polarizingfilter. The filter may be configured to filter out infrared (IR),ultraviolet (UV), or visible light.

According to one configuration, the device includes a transmitter fortransmitting an image to an analysis center. In some embodiments, thetransmitter may be a USB connection, a cable to the Internet, a wirelessinternet connection, or a memory, such as a Flashcard memory.

In another aspect, the invention provides a method of performing an eyeself-exam. The method includes providing an optical pathway having firstand second ends, positioning the first end of the optical pathway overan eye of a user, positioning a digital camera at the second end of theoptical pathway, focusing the digital camera on a sensor implanted inthe eye, wherein the sensor includes a level indicator, and capturing animage of the level indicator of the sensor.

According to one implementation, the sensor is a pressure sensor and isconfigured to sense intraocular pressure. The level indicator maydisplay the intraocular pressure level.

In one implementation, the level indicator includes one or more lights.The one or more lights may be used to indicate the level, for examplethe pressure level. In one example, the color of the light indicates thelevel of the sensor. In another example, the light indicates whether thelevel is acceptable or too high by turning on or off, or by flashing orblinking.

In another implementation, the level indicator includes at least one ofa dial and a gauge. The dial or gauge may include a backing listingtotal pressure levels, and may include colored regions to indicatewhether pressure is acceptable, borderline, or high.

In still a further implementation, the level indicator includes adigital read-out. The digital read-out may be formed of a light-emittingdiode, or it may be a tunable diode laser.

According to various implementations, the optical pathway may include amagnifying lens system. The magnifying lens system may provide betweenabout 2 times magnification and about 200 times magnification of thelevel indicator, and in one embodiment, provides between about 40 andabout 60 times magnification of the level indicator. In variousembodiments, the magnifying lens system provides about 25 timesmagnification, about 50 times magnification, about 75 timesmagnification, about 100 times magnification, about 125 timesmagnification, about 150 times magnification, or about 200 timesmagnification of the level indicator.

In one implementation, the method includes sending the image to ananalysis center. Sending the image may include digital transmission ofthe image. The digital transmission may be wireless.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

The foregoing and other objects and advantages of the invention will beappreciated more fully from the following further description thereof,with reference to the accompanying drawings. These depicted embodimentsare to be understood as illustrative of the invention and not aslimiting in any way.

FIG. 1 depicts exemplary intraocular sensors inside an eye.

FIGS. 2A-2F depict various exemplary intraocular sensor level indicatordisplays for the intraocular sensors of FIG. 1.

FIGS. 3A and 3B depict a top-view and a front view of an optomechanicalintraocular sensor reader system.

FIG. 4 depicts an alternative optomechanical intraocular sensor readersystem.

FIGS. 5A-5C depict various optomechanical intraocular sensor readersystem housings.

FIG. 6 is a flow chart of a method for performing a self-evaluation ofan intraocular sensor.

FIG. 7A depicts a digital intraocular sensor reader system.

FIGS. 7B-7C depict a digital camera and an adaptor for interfitting withthe lens portion of the digital camera.

FIG. 7D depicts a front view of a digital intraocular sensor readersystem.

FIG. 8 is a flow chart of a method for capturing an image of a user'seye, including an image of an intraocular sensor implanted in the eye.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

To provide an overall understanding of the invention, certainillustrative embodiments will now be described, including systems,methods and devices for providing intraocular sensor readers for a userto view or image an implant in the user's eye. However, it will beunderstood by one of ordinary skill in the art that the systems andmethods described herein can be adapted and modified for other suitableapplications and that such other additions and modifications will notdepart from the scope hereof.

FIG. 1 depicts a top view of a cross section of an eye 10, including twoexemplary intraocular sensors 2 and 4 implanted inside the eye 10.Structurally, the eye 10 includes a cornea 8, a pupil 6, a lens 12, iris14, sclera 18, a ciliary body 20, and an anterior chamber 22. The cornea8 is a thin transparent tissue that focuses and transmits light into theeye 10 and through a pupil 6 and the lens 12. The anterior chamber 22 ofthe eye 10 is bound anteriorly by the cornea 8 and posteriorly by theiris 14 and a lens 12, and is filled with an aqueous solution. In anormal eye, the aqueous solution is continuously removed from theanterior chamber 22. Intraocular pressure is maintained by an intricatebalance between secretion and outflow of the aqueous solution. Glaucomais, in most cases, characterized by an excessive buildup of the aqueoussolution in the anterior chamber 22, which leads to an increase inintraocular pressure. Fluids are relatively incompressible, and thusintraocular pressure is distributed relatively uniformly throughout theeye. Thus, sensors placed in the anterior chamber of the eye mayaccurately measure intraocular pressure.

In addition, sensors may be placed in the eye for a variety of otherpurposes including, for example, intraocular drug delivery. Sensors mayalso be implanted for measuring pH, salinity, vascular endothelialgrowth factor (VEGF), or other properties or substances of the eye. Theintraocular sensors 2 and 4 are placed on the iris 14, and theintraocular lens 12, respectively. According to a preferred embodiment,the sensors 2 and 4 are placed out of line-of-sight, such that they donot disrupt the vision of the user, but are placed in a location withinthe eye such that they may be observable from outside the eye with anappropriate magnification system. In other embodiments, the sensors 2and 4 may be implanted in any selected location in the eye, including inthe cornea 8 and on the interior surface of the cornea 8. The sensors 2and 4 may be implanted in the eye 10 using any conventional attachmentmethods, including for example an anchor, suture, hook or other fixationmeans. According to one embodiment, only one sensor 2 or 4 is implantedin the eye 10. According to one feature, the intraocular sensors 2 and 4include level indicators, such as the level indicator displays shown inFIG. 2A-2F, which may be observable by looking into the user's eye andviewing the sensors 2 and 4 with a magnification system.

FIGS. 2A-2F depict various exemplary intraocular sensor level indicatordisplays 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, and 90. While the intraocular sensor levelindicator displays 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, and 90 may indicate the level ofany selected attribute, in the following examples, the level indicatordisplays 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, and 90 are described as intraocularpressure sensor displays. FIG. 2A depicts a level indicator 40 includingone light 42. The light 42 indicates whether the intraocular pressure isacceptable or if the pressure is too high. For example, the light may begreen if the pressure is acceptable and red if the pressure is too high.Alternatively, the light may be constant if the pressure is acceptableand flashing or blinking if the pressure is too high. In anotherexample, the light may be off if the pressure is acceptable and may turnon when the pressure grows too high. In other embodiments, the light mayalso be used to indicate a borderline pressure level.

FIG. 2B depicts a level indicator 50 including two lights 52 and 54. Thelights 52 and 54 indicate whether the intraocular pressure is acceptableor if the pressure is too high. For example, the lights 52 and 54 may betwo different colors, such as green and red. A green light may indicatean acceptable intraocular pressure level, while a red light may indicatea high intraocular pressure level. In other embodiments, any number oflights 52 and 54 may be used to indicate various pressure levels. In oneexample, yellow light may be included to indicate a borderline pressurelevel.

FIG. 2C depicts a level indicator 60 constructed as a gauge or dial, andincluding a pointer 62 and a semicircular backing 64 which togetherindicate the intraocular pressure level. The pointer 62 indicatesapproximate total intraocular pressure based on its position relative tothe backing. The backing 64 may include total pressure values.Alternatively, the backing 64 may include colored regions or wedgesindicating acceptable pressure, borderline pressure, and high pressureregions.

FIG. 2D depicts a level indicator 70 including a digital light-emittingdiode (LED) display indicating total intraocular pressure 72 in mmHg. Auser or health care professional may interpret the intraocular pressurevalue 72 to determine whether it is acceptable, borderline, or too high.In one embodiment, the display changes colors depending on the pressurevalue. For example, if the pressure value is over 21 mmHg, the pressure72 may be displayed in red, while if the pressure is at or under 21mmHg, the pressure 72 may be displayed in green. Alternatively, an extralight may be included on the display, which turns on or begins to flashif the pressure is above a predetermined threshold.

FIG. 2E depicts a level indicator 80 including a spiral 82 and aradially extending arm 84. The spiral 82 may contract or expanddepending on the intraocular pressure. Contraction or expansion of thespiral 82 causes the arm 84 to move, and may cause the arm 84 to rotateand thus point toward a different direction. For example, in theillustrative embodiment, expansion of the spiral 82 causes the arm 84 tomove upwards while contraction of the spiral 82 causes the arm 84 tomove downwards. The movements of the arm 84 and/or the direction towardswhich the arm 84 points may indicate the IOP pressure.

FIG. 2F depicts a level indicator 90 including a spring 92 and a totallevel t-indicator 94. The spring 92 may contract or expand depending onthe intraocular pressure. Contraction or expansion of the spring 92causes the t-indicator to move, and thus indicate IOP. For example, inthe illustrative embodiment, an increase in pressure may cause thespring 92 to expand, thus moving the t-indicator 94 to the right.

According to various embodiments, the level indicator displays 40, 50,60, 70, 80 and 90 may display any selected type of information dependingon the type of sensor implanted. For example, the displays 40, 50, 60,70, 80 and 90 may indicate the fill level of an intraocular drugdelivery system, the status of a drug relieve valve and tube or shunt(i.e., to indicate whether the valve and tube or shunt are clogged), orthe level of a monitored intraocular property or substance, such as pHvalue, salinity, or VEGF.

Once an intraocular sensor including a level indicator display, such asthe displays 40, 50, 60, 70, 80 and 90 of FIGS. 2A-2F, has beenimplanted in an eye, a user may use a reader system to view the sensorand evaluate the output of the sensor. Two exemplary reader systems, anoptomechanical sensor reader system 100 and a digital sensor readersystem 500, are described below with reference to FIGS. 3A and 7A,respectively.

FIG. 3A depicts a top view of an optomechanical intraocular sensorreader system 100. The reader system 100 includes a housing 102 andlenses 104, 106 and 108. According to the illustrative embodiment, thereader system 100 also includes two reflective surfaces 112 and 114,which help form an optical pathway through the housing 102, reflectinglight entering through a first end 102 a of the housing 102 to a secondend 102 b of the housing 102. In use, a user positions the first 102 aand second 102 b housing ends of the reader system 100 over each eye,and uses the reader system 100 to view one eye with the other eye.

The housing 102 includes a first end 102 a and a second end 102 b, and,as seen from a top-view, may be any selected shape, as described ingreater detail with respect to FIGS. 5A-5C. The housing includes aninterior passageway such that an optical pathway may be formedtherethrough. The cross-sectional shape of the housing may also be anyselected shape, including for example, circular, elliptical, orpolygonal.

The lenses 104, 106 and 108 are configured for magnifying and focusingthe view of a target structure, such as sensor displays 40, 50, 60, 70,80 and 90, located past the first end 102 a of the housing 102 as seenfrom the second end 102 b of the housing 102. In one embodiment, thelens 104 is adjustable for focusing the view of the target structure.The reader system 100 includes a focus control 110 for adjusting thelens 104. According to various implementations, the focus control 110may be manually adjusted by a user, or it may automatically adjust thelens 104. The reader system 100 may include an autofocus sensor coupledwith the focus control 110 to automatically adjust the lens 104 to focusthe light or the reflected image of a target structure.

The lenses 106 and 108 are configured for magnifying the view of atarget structure located at or past the first end 102 a of the housing102, as seen from the second end 102 b of the housing 102. In oneembodiment, the lenses 106 and 108 provide sufficient magnification forviewing the display of an intraocular sensor. According to variousembodiments, the lenses 106 and 108 may provide any selected amount ofmagnification, including for example, about 2 times magnification, about5 times magnification, about 10 times magnification, about 20 timesmagnification, about 30 times magnification, about 40 timesmagnification, about 50 times magnification, about 60 timesmagnification, about 70 times magnification, about 80 timesmagnification, about 90 time magnification, about 100 timesmagnification, about 120 times magnification, or more than about 120times magnification. In a preferred embodiment, the lenses 106 and 108provide between about 40 times magnification and about 80 timesmagnification.

The lenses 104, 106 and 108 may have any suitable curvature of either oftheir two surfaces for magnification or focusing of a target structure.Exemplary materials for the lenses 104, 106 and 108 include glass,plastic, and polycarbonate. Note that in various embodiments, the readersystem 100 may include any number of lenses, including one lens, twolenses, or more than two lenses. The reader system 100 may also includea filter. The filter may be, for example, a linearly polarizing filter,a circularly polarizing filter, a clear filter, a UV filter, a colorcorrection filter, a color enhancement filter, a color subtractionfilter, a cross screen filter, a diffusion filter, a visible lightfilter, or an infrared filter.

The reader system 100 also includes a width adjuster 118 configured foradjusting the width 120 of the housing 102. For example, the width 120of the housing 102 may be adjusted such that when the first end 102 a ofthe housing 102 is positioned over the first eye of a user, the secondend 102 b of the housing is simultaneously positioned over the secondeye of the user. Additionally, the housing 102 may be adjustable suchthat the first and second ends of the housing may lie in differentplanes (e.g., the first end may be higher than the second end).

In one embodiment, the reader system 100 includes a barometer 124. Thebarometer 124 is mounted external to the housing 102. The barometer 124may be integrated into the reader system 100, and it may be mechanicallycoupled to the housing 102. The barometer 124 may be used to measureexternal ambient pressure, and it may display the ambient pressurereading externally, or it may be configured to display the ambientpressure in the same view as the target structure inside the eye. Theambient pressure may be used in conjunction with an intraocular pressuresensor to determine IOP.

According to other embodiments, the reader system 100 includes a powersupply 122. The power supply 122 may be an electrical power supply suchas, for example, a battery, a cable power supply, or a solar powersupply.

The power supply 122 powers a light 126, as shown in the front view ofthe reader system 100 in FIG. 3B. The light 126 is directed toward atarget structure located at or past the first end 102 a of the housing102. The light 126 is configured to irradiate the target structurewithout obstructing the optical pathway through the housing 102. Thelight 126 is positioned about the interior perimeter of the housing 102.In other embodiments, the light 126 may be positioned about the exteriorperimeter of the housing 102, or inside the perimeter of an eye pieceattached to the first end 102 a of the housing 102. As shown in FIG. 3B,the housing 102 has a circular cross-section and the light 126 isannular, and is positioned along the interior perimeter of the housing102 near the first end 102 a of the housing 102. In other examples, thelight 126 may include multiple individual lights positioned next to eachother or at selected intervals around a perimeter of the housing 102.According to various embodiments, the light may radiate visible ornonvisible light. Exemplary lights include, for example, light-emittingdiodes, incandescent light, fluorescent light, ultraviolet light, andinfrared light. In one implementation, a nonvisible light is used by theautofocus sensor for automatic focus by the focus control 110. Inanother implementation, as described in greater detail in U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 10/686492, the entire contents of which are herebyincorporated by reference, a nonvisible light may be used to activate asensor display, such as displays 40, 50, 60, 70, 80 and 90, or totrigger a sensor readout.

As shown in FIG. 3B, the reader system 100 may include an eye piece oreye pieces 130 and 132 configured for interfitting around the eyes of auser. Alternatively, the reader system 100 may include a mask forinterfitting around both eyes and over the bridge of the nose of a user.The eye pieces may be made of any suitable material for conforming withthe face of the user, including for example, plaster, soft plastic,rubber, or spongy material. According to one feature, when a user placesthe eye pieces around their eyes, environmental light is blocked out ofthe housing 102.

The reader system 100 is a handheld device which may be held up againstthe eyes of the user. In other embodiments, the reader system 100 may bedesigned to be placed on a stable surface, or into a stand on a stablesurface, such that the user may use the reader system 100 by placing theocular facial area over the eye pieces, without holding the readersystem 100.

According to one feature, the reader system 100 may be turned over, suchthat it may be used to view the right eye with the left eye and to viewthe left eye with the right eye.

In one embodiment, the reader system 100 includes a beam-splitter suchthat the system 100 may be used as described above, with the view of thetarget structure visible from the second end 102 b of the housing 102,and additionally, with an identical view of the target structuretransmitted to an image sensor coupled to the reader system 100. Theimage sensor captures an image of the view of the target structure. Theimage sensor may be integrated into a digital camera system, and mayfunction in a manner substantially similar to the digital reader system500 of FIG. 7A.

FIG. 4 depicts an alternative optomechanical intraocular sensor readersystem 200. The reader system 200 includes a housing 202 and lenses 204,206 and 208. The reader system 200 also includes an optical fiber 212,which directs light entering through a first end 202 a of the housing202 to a second end 202 b of the housing 202, thus becoming a part of anoptical pathway formed through the interior of the housing 202.

The optical fiber 212 is a coherent bundle of fibers, similar to theoptical fibers used in medical endoscopes. As shown in the illustrativeembodiment, the optical fiber 212 transmits light or an image from adistal side of the lens 206 to a distal side of the lens 204. Accordingto another embodiment, one or more lenses may be inserted at one or moreof the ends of the optical fiber 212. The optical fiber may beconstructed of any selected optical fiber material, including silica,glass, fluorozirconate glass, fluoroaluminate glass, chalcogenide glass,and plastic.

The housing 202 is substantially the same as the housing 102 of FIG. 3,and the lenses 204, 206 and 208 are substantially the same as lenses104, 106 and 108 of FIG. 3, respectively. The reader system 200 alsoincludes a focus control 210 and a width adjuster 218, which may besubstantially the same as the focus control 110 and the width adjuster118 of FIG. 3, respectively. The reader system 200 may also include alight for irradiating a target structure at or past a first end 202 a ofthe housing 202, a barometer, and/or a power supply.

FIGS. 5A-5C depict various optomechanical intraocular sensor readersystem housings 300,310, and 320. FIG. 5A depicts a housing 300 having asemi-elliptical shape. The housing 300 may alternatively have asemi-circular shape. FIG. 5B depicts a housing 310 having a v-shape.FIG. 5C depicts a polygonal housing 320. According to variousembodiments, the housing 320 may have any selected number of sides,including 3 sides, 4 sides, 5 sides, 6 sides, 7 sides, 8 sides, and morethan 8 sides. The sides of the housing 320 may be any selected length,and may be joined at any selected angles so long as the first 320 a andsecond 320 b ends of the housing 320 are configured for placing over theeyes of a user. According to one feature, the housings 300, 310, and 320are configured such that an optical pathway may be formed from a firstend 300 a, 310 a, and 320 a to a second end 300 b, 310 b, and 320 b ofthe housings 300, 310, and 320, respectively. According to one feature,an optical pathway permits a user to view a target structure at a firstend 300 a, 310 a, or 320 a of a housing 300, 310, or 320, from thesecond end 300 b, 310 b, or 320 b of the housing 300, 310, or 320,respectively. In one embodiment, the housings 300, 310, or 320 may beadjustable such that the first and second ends may lie in differentplanes.

FIG. 6 is a flow chart of a method 400 for performing a self-evaluationof an intraocular sensor. The method 400 begins with providing anoptical pathway (step 402) having first and second ends. According toone embodiment, the optical pathway may be provided by one of the readersystems 100 or 200 of FIGS. 3A and 4. The first end of the opticalpathway is positioned over a first eye of a user (step 404), while thesecond end of the optical pathway is positioned over the second eye ofthe user (step 406). The user may then utilize the optical pathway toview a target structure in the first eye with the second eye. Accordingto the method 400, the user identifies a sensor implanted in the firsteye (step 408). According to one feature, the sensor includes a levelindicator, which may indicate the intraocular pressure level. The levelindicator may have an indicator display, such as the displays 40, 50,60, 70, 80 and 90 of FIGS. 2A-2F. Once the user has identified thesensor, the user may then detect the sensor level (step 410).

In an alternative embodiment, the systems 100 and 200 of FIGS. 3A and 4may be used by one user to evaluate the ocular sensor of another user.In this embodiment, the first end of the optical pathway is positionedover the eye to be evaluated, and the second end is positioned over theeye of the viewer, such that the viewer can see the target structure inthe eye of the other user.

FIG. 7A depicts a digital intraocular sensor reader system 500positioned over the eye of a user 501. The reader system 500 includes adigital camera 502, a magnifying lens system 504, and an eye cup 506.The digital camera 502 uses the magnifying lens 504 to focus on andcapture an image of a target structure.

Digital cameras generally have optical and digital zooming capabilities,including for example, tele-zoom lens systems and digital interpolation.Additionally, many digital cameras include a macro-mode for shootingimages up-close, usually from a distance of about 20 cm from the targetobject. Also, many digital cameras capture images with a resolution ofabout 5 or more megapixels.

The digital camera 502 may be a conventional consumer digital camera.The digital camera 502 includes a viewing screen 510, for example, anLCD, for viewing previously captured images. The digital camera 502 alsoincludes a memory card 512 for storing images. According to one featureof the digital camera 502, a user may select to view an image in itsentirety on the viewing screen, or the user may zoom into the image toview a particular portion of the image in greater detail. According toone example, the image on the viewing screen 5 10 may be zoomed in atleast as far as the native (uninterpolated) resolution of the cameraallows. The digital camera 502 also includes a button 514, which, whendepressed, causes the camera 502 to take a picture. According to onefeature, the digital camera 502 includes an image sensor configured toconvert the input image to an electrical signal. The image sensor may beany selected image sensor, and may include for example, one or morecharge coupled devices (CCD's), complementary metal-oxide semiconductor(CMOS) sensors, active pixel sensors, Bayer sensors, Foveon X3 sensors,or 3CCD sensors. According to various embodiments, the image sensor mayhave any selected resolution suitable for imaging a target structure,including for example, about 1 megapixel, about 2 megapixels, about 3megapixels, about 4 megapixels, about 5 megapixels, about 6 megapixels,about 7 megapixels, about 8 megapixels, about 9 megapixels, about 10megapixels, or more than about 10 megapixels.

The memory card 512 may be an electronic flash memory data storagedevice, including for example, SD/MMC, Memory Stick, xD-Picture Card,SmartMedia and CompactFlash. The memory card 512 stores captured images,which may be transferred to an external computer system or database.Captured images may be transferred by removing the memory card from thedigital camera 502 and coupling it to an external computer system.Alternatively, the camera 502 may include a port 516, and may beconnected to an external computer system via a cable (e.g., a USB orFIREWIRE™ IEEE 1394 standard cable) to transfer captured images, or thecaptured images may be wirelessly transmitted to an external computersystem or internet address. The camera may be an Internet Protocol (IP)camera, and thus include an IP address. An IP camera may connectdirectly with the internet. The captured images may be time and/ordate-stamped by the digital camera 502.

According to one embodiment, captured images may be transmitted to ananalysis center. In one example, a health care professional may analyzethe image of an ocular pressure sensor sent either directly from areader system 500 transmitter, or from an image downloaded from thememory card 512, or transmitted over the internet (e.g., via email). Thehealth care professional may determine the intraocular pressure levelfrom the image. According to one advantage, this system may allow a userto have frequent intraocular pressure level check-ups without requiringfrequent visits to a health care professional.

The magnifying lens system 504 includes first 504 a and second 504 bends, and at least one lens 518. According to the illustrativeembodiment, the first end 504 a is coupled to the digital camera 502,while the second end 504 b is coupled to the eye cup 506.

According to one embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 7B and 7C, an adapter 520is interfitted around and/or attached to the protruding lens portion 522of a digital camera, and the first end 504 a of the magnifying lenssystem 504 is coupled to the adapter 520. FIG. 7B depicts the adaptor520 separate from the digital camera 502, while FIG. 7C depicts theadaptor 520 interfitted around the lens portion of the digital camera502. Using the adapter 520, a conventional two-part macro lens may beattached to, for example screwed onto, the digital camera lens. Theadaptor 520 may be threaded or magnetic for coupling with the macrolens. According to one feature, the adaptor 520 is configured forproviding a standard SLR camera lens attachment mechanism to a compactdigital camera. The macro lens acts as a magnifying lens system 504,enabling a conventional digital camera to capture an in-focus image ofan object that is between about 1 cm and about 10 cm away from thesecond end 504 b of the magnifying lens system 504.

According to various embodiments, a variety of lens systems may beattached to the adapter 520, and any selected lens system may be used inconjunction with the digital camera 502 in the digital reader system500. Additionally, the adapter 520 may be modified and tailored to fit avariety of digital cameras and camcorders. The adapter 520 may bemounted on the protruding lens of a camera, or on the body of the cameraaround the lens. According to one feature, an adaptor 520 positioned onthe body of the camera includes space for the camera lens to protrudeand perform focusing and zooming operations. In various embodiments, theadapter 520 may be mounted to the camera magnetically, with an adhesive,screwed on, or snap-fitted. The adaptor 520 interfits snugly with thecamera 502.

The magnifying lens system 504 has a short focal length for microscopicimaging of a target structure. The focal length may be between about 0.5cm and about 15 cm, and it may be about 1 cm, about 2 cm, about 3 cm,about 4 cm, about 5 cm, about 6 cm, about 7 cm, about 8 cm, about 9 cm,about 10 cm, about 12 cm, about 15 cm, or more than about 15 cm.

The magnifying lens system 504 may provide any selected amount ofmagnification, including between about 2 times magnification and about200 times magnification, and may provide between about 40 timesmagnification and about 60 times magnification. The magnifying lenssystem 504 may provide about 5 times magnification, about 10 timesmagnification, about 20 times magnification, about 30 timesmagnification, about 40 times magnification, about 50 timesmagnification, about 60 times magnification, about 70 timesmagnification, about 80 times magnification, about 90 timesmagnification, about 100 times magnification, or more than about 100times magnification.

According to one embodiment, the magnifying lens system 504 includes afilter. The filter may be, for example, a linearly polarizing filter, acircularly polarizing filter, a clear filter, a UV filter, a colorcorrection filter, a color enhancement filter, a color subtractionfilter, a cross screen filter, a diffusion filter, a visible lightfilter, or an infrared filter. The filter may be positioned at thesecond end 504 b of the magnifying lens system 504, or it may bepositioned in any selected location in the magnifying lens system 504.The filter may be constructed from glass, resin plastics similar tothose used for eyeglasses (such as CR39), polyester, or gelatin, and itmay include a material such as a film or nylon netting sandwichedbetween two pieces of clear glass or plastic. According to someimplementations in which an eye is imaged, the shiny cornea of the eyemay produce glare, which may be filtered out using a polarized filter.

The magnifying lens system 504 may also include a diffraction element orprism. This element separates out incoming light into its constituentwavelengths, allowing for hyperspectral analysis of the eye. In oneexample, the hyperspectral information can be analyzed, for example, todetermine oxygen levels in various areas of the eye.

In other embodiments, the reader system 500 may include a housing withan optical fiber in place of the magnifying lens system. The opticalfiber may be substantially the same as the optical fiber 212 of FIG. 4.In this embodiment, the housing may be flexible, such that one end ofthe housing may be positioned in a different plane from the other end ofthe housing.

The reader system 500 includes an eye cup 506 for placing over an eye.The eye cup may be coupled to the second end of the magnifying lenssystem 504 by, for example, screwing, snapping, magnetic attachment, oran adhesive. According to one embodiment, the eye cup 506 is configuredto prevent environmental light from entering around its edges, and thusto prevent environmental light from entering the magnifying lens system504, when the eye cup 506 is placed on a user's face. The eye cup may beconstructed of any suitable material for conforming with a user's faceand thus blocking environmental light from entering the lens system 504,including for example plastic, soft plastic, rubber, or a spongymaterial.

According to some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 7D, the reader system500 includes a light 524. The light 524 of FIG. 7D includes multipleindividual lights places around the interior perimeter of the magnifyinglens system 504. The light 524 is directed towards a target structure,for example the eye of a user, or the intraocular area of the user.According to one feature, the light does not obstruct the opticalpathway of the digital camera 502 through the magnifying lens system 504to the target structure. In other embodiments, the light may bepositioned around the exterior perimeter of the magnifying lens system504, and/or it may be positioned around the interior perimeter of theeye cup 506. The light may be annular, or it may include multiple lightspositioned around the perimeter of the magnifying lens system and/or eyecup. In one embodiment, the light is distinguishable to the image sensorof the digital camera 502, but is not visible to the user. For example,the light may be an infrared light or an ultraviolet light. According toother examples, the light may be any selected type of light, includingfor example, light-emitting diodes, incandescent light, and fluorescentlight.

According to another embodiment, the digital sensor reader system 500 isplaced in a stand or designed for stable positioning on a table, suchthat the system 500 becomes a desktop or tabletop device, and the userdoes not need to hold the device to an eye. In this embodiment, the usermay simply place the ocular facial area over the eye cup 506. In analternative embodiment, the reader system 500 may include a larger eyemask that covers both eyes and encompasses the bridge of the nose. Inthis embodiment, the reader system 500 may be designed to capture animage of both eyes simultaneously, or a user may select which eye is tobe imaged. According to one feature, the system may be networked with orcoupled to a display for displaying the captured image. Thus, a user mayview the captured image on the display to ensure that the eye or eyeswere open when the picture was taken. The reader system may thentransmit the image either directly or via a computer system to aninternet or email address for analysis. According to one feature, thetransmitted image is time and/or date-stamped.

According to one embodiment, the digital reader system 500 takes asnapshot of an eye including an ocular sensor, and image processingalgorithms locate the sensor in the internal image. The image processingalgorithms extract the current sensor setting, and produce a digitaloutput of the sensor level. For an IOP sensor, the image processingalgorithms may produce a digital output of the IOP level and theexternal barometric pressure, measured at the time of the snapshot.According to one feature, this embodiment does not include a display510.

According to various implementations, in addition to monitoringimplanted ocular sensors, the reader system 500 may be used to observeiris tissue and iris tissue pathologies, to observe the anterior chamberof the eye, or to observe the fundus of the eye and detect fundusanomalies. The reader system 500 may also be used to observefluorescence in the eye tissue, either directly or after injection of aspecific dye, and the fluorescence may be visible with or withoutexcitation (e.g., with UV light).

FIG. 8 is a flow chart of a method 600 for capturing an image of auser's eye, including an image of an intraocular sensor implanted in theeye. The method begins by providing an optical pathway (step 602) havingfirst and second ends. According to one example, the optical pathway isprovided by a digital sensor reader system, such as the system 500 ofFIG. 7. A first end of the optical pathway is positioned over an eye ofa user (step 604). The second end of the optical pathway includes adigital camera (step 606). In one embodiment, the second end of theoptical pathway ends with the image sensor of the digital camera. Thedigital camera is focused on a sensor implanted in the user's eye (step608). In one embodiment, the sensor includes a level indicator, and thedigital camera is focused on the level indicator. The digital camera isused to capture an image of the sensor (step 610). The image may then beused to determine the level of the sensor (612). In one embodiment, theuser may analyze the image to determine sensor level. In anotherembodiment, the image may be transmitted to a health care professionalfor analysis of sensor level. In still a further embodiment, the imagemay be transmitted to an analysis center for processing. For example,given the imaged sensor, the analysis center may extract the sensorlevel reading and forward the reading on to a health care professional.

Those skilled in the art will know or be able to ascertain using no morethan routine experimentation, many equivalents to the embodiments andpractices described herein. Accordingly, it will be understood that theinvention is not to be limited to the embodiments dislosed herein, butis to be understood from the following claims, which are to beinterpreted as broadly as allowed under the law.

1. A method of performing an eye self-exam comprising: providing anoptical pathway having first and second ends; positioning the first endof the optical pathway over a first eye of a user; positioning thesecond end of the optical pathway over a second eye of the user; andperforming the eye self-exam by the user by i) identifying, with thesecond eye, through the optical pathway, a sensor implanted in the firsteye, wherein the sensor includes a level indicator; and ii) detecting alevel of the sensor.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the sensor is apressure sensor.
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the level is apressure level.
 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the level indicatorcomprises at least one light.
 5. The method of claim 4, wherein thecolor of the light indicates the level of the sensor.
 6. The method ofclaim 1, wherein the level indicator comprises one of a dial and agauge.
 7. The method of claim 1, wherein the level indicator comprises adigital read-out.
 8. The method of claim 7, wherein the digital read-outcomprises a light-emitting diode.
 9. The method of claim 1, wherein theoptical pathway comprises at least one reflective surface.
 10. Themethod of claim 1, wherein the optical pathway comprises an opticalfiber.
 11. A method of performing an eye exam comprising: providing anoptical pathway having first and second ends; positioning the first endof the optical pathway over an eye of a user; positioning a digitalcamera at the second end of the optical pathway; and conducting the eyeexam by i) focusing the digital camera through the optical pathway on asensor implanted in the eye, wherein the sensor includes a levelindicator; and ii) capturing an image of the level indicator of thesensor by the digital camera.
 12. The method of claim 11, wherein thesensor is a pressure sensor.
 13. The method of claim 11, wherein thelevel indicator displays a pressure level.
 14. The method of claim 11,wherein the level indicator comprises at least one light.
 15. The methodof claim 14, wherein the color of the light indicates the level of thesensor.
 16. The method of claim 11, wherein the level indicatorcomprises one of a dial and a gauge.
 17. The method of claim 11, whereinthe level indicator comprises a digital read-out.
 18. The method ofclaim 17, wherein the digital read-out comprises a light-emitting diode.19. The method of claim 11, wherein the optical pathway comprises amagnifying lens system.
 20. The method of claim 19, wherein themagnifying lens system provides about 50 times magnification of thelevel indicator.
 21. The method of claim 19, wherein the magnifying lenssystem provides between 40 times magnification and 80 timesmagnification.
 22. The method of claim 11, further comprising sendingthe image to an analysis center.
 23. The method of claim 22, whereinsending comprises digital transmission of the image.
 24. The method ofclaim 23, wherein the digital transmission is wireless.
 25. The methodof claim 11, wherein the method is performed by the user.